The Gondobay Manga Foundation is dedicated to honoring and serving the people of Sierra Leone, as the Mende people honored Isaiah when they inducted him as Chief Gondobay Manga. On Sunday, May 28, 2006, villagers from all over the Ngalu Bagbwe Chiefdom gathered to witness the tribal induction of their new American brother, Isaiah Washington. The name chosen for Isaiah belonged to a legendary and revered warrior, and had not been bestowed upon a Mende for hundreds of years. The ceremony inducting Isaiah as the newest incarnation of this great spirit inspired the hundreds gathered. And it inspired Isaiah Washington to dedicate himself and this foundation to fight for the Mende people just as the original Gondobay Manga did so many years before.
May 28, 2006 On the morning of his induction, Isaiah Washington is presented with a ceremonial horn by Chief Demby in Gerihun.
May 28, 2006 This ceremonial horn is blown to honor this day of celebration for Isaiah Washington and the Mende people.
May 28, 2006 Isaiah Washington is greeted by the leaders of Njala Kendema as he passes on the way to Ngalu Village for the induction ceremony.
May 28, 2006 The traditional Gorboe Spirit greets Washington on the path to his induction.
May 28, 2006 Honorable Sidikie Brima presents Isaiah Washington with the clothes that have been specially made for his induction ceremony.
May 28, 2006 Isaiah Washington rides in a specially made bomie which will carry him to the center of Ngalu Village.
May 28, 2006 A boy along the path as the procession to the induction ceremony passes.
May 28, 2006 The traditional Gorboe spirits are gathered for the celebration.
May 28, 2006 His crew films Isaiah meditating before the ceremony begins.
May 28, 2006 Gathered Mende elders invoke prayers before the ceremony begins.
May 28, 2006 Isaiah Washington sits with Chief Julius T. Manga, head of the Woundah Society.
May 28, 2006 Chief Julius T. Manga leads Isaiah Washington outside as he calls to the spirit of the original Chief Gondobay Manga.
May 28, 2006 Isaiah Washington pours a tribute to the original Chief Gondobay Manga, asking that he allow his spirit to be embodied by Isaiah.
May 28, 2006 Isaiah celebrates his new role as Chief Gondobay Manga.
May 28, 2006 Raymond Scott-Manga presents Washington to the crowd using his new Mende moniker — Chief Gondobay Manga.
May 28, 2006 Chief Gondobay Manga introduces the crowd to his lifelong friend, Tony Hubbard.
May 28, 2006 Chief Gondobay Manga introduces the crowd to his friend and colleague, Dr. Andre Panossian.
May 28, 2006 Chief Gondobay Manga introduces the crowd to his Producer and the President of the Gondobay Manga Foundation, Sonya Gay Bourn.
May 28, 2006 Chief Gondobay Manga.
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